Apprenticeship numbers have risen dramatically over the last year. There was a 50 per cent increase in the number of first year registrations between 1996 and last year.

The first apprentices to graduate from FAS under the new standards-based system were presented with their national craft certificates recently. The numbers went from 3,861 apprenticeships in 1996 to 5,794 last year. In total almost 14,000 people were registered on apprenticeship courses with FAS by the end of 1997. The number of women entering apprenticeships remains low, however, at less than 1 per cent.

Over 55 per cent of those who began their apprenticeship last year had Leaving Cert standard. The rapid growth in the economy and the demand for skilled people are among the reasons given for the strong numbers taking up apprenticeships.

Some of the trades to rise in popularity include bricklaying (59 per cent), cabinet-making (55 per cent), aircraft mechanics (36 per cent), carpentry/joinery (99 per cent), the electrical trade (126 per cent), fitters (70 per cent), heavy vehicle mechanics (45 per cent), metal fabricating (54 per cent), painting/decorating (35 per cent), plastering (55 per cent), plumbing (71 per cent), and vehicle body repair (31 per cent).